On Thursday, July 24, the Indiana Fever scored an 80-70 win over the Las Vegas Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse without star Caitlin Clark. The game saw heroics across the box score. Four Fever starters scored in double figures, led by Kelsey Mitchell’s 21 points, and Aari McDonald added nine points.
Although the Fever braved the storm of A’ja Wilson and Co., the team lacks strength, and the WNBA season is a long one. With the timeline of Clark’s recovery from her groin injury still unclear, Fever general manager Amber Cox added to the team’s roster by signing Chloe Bibby on a hardship contract.
What Does Chloe Bibby’s Seven-Day Contract Mean for the Fever?
After the Thursday night win, Indiana announced on Friday, July 25, the signing of Bibby on to a seven-day contract. While Fever fans saw the Australian play in her decent, albeit short, stint with the Golden State Valkyries earlier this season, most wanted to know about the details of a seven-day contract.
What’s the point of 7-day contracts?
— Girish Menon Photography (@wildlifegiri) July 25, 2025
The seven-day contract allows WNBA teams to add temporary players while going through one hardship exception, which includes teams facing a player’s unavailability. Unlike a “Rest-Of-Season” contract, the seven-day contract provides flexibility as it does not remain on the team’s cap space even after the player is removed.
Bibby gets another shot at playing in the WNBA. Bibby’s contract can be renewed for another seven days if the Fever continue to meet the hardship criteria due to Clark’s absence. However, a player can only be signed to three seven-day contracts with a team before they are released or signed to a “Rest-Of-Season” contract.
What do you mean the seven day contract? It’s either a season or it’s not. You guys gonna get your crap together.
— Mr. Common Sense Commenter (@DLundoBoston) July 25, 2025
The Fever also used a hardship exception earlier this season when Clark and Sophie Cunningham were out injured, signing McDonald to a seven-day contract.
How Did Aari McDonald’s Success Influence This Decision?
McDonald stayed on the roster for four more days until the Fever returned to strength and was released. The guard was added to the Fever roster on a “Rest-Of-Season” contract in late June.
Is this a good signing??
— AK (@Sudharsan_AK10) July 25, 2025
After an impressive stint prompted McDonald’s return to Fever, fans have noticed the talent that could be added through hardship contracts. So, the arrival of Bibby gives them some hope.
Bibby, a capable three-point shooter and forward, provides the Fever with another rotation option and depth in Clark’s absence. During her five-game stint with the Valkyries this season, Bibby showed impressive efficiency from three-point range, shooting 42.1% from deep in limited minutes.
The Fever, especially with Clark currently sidelined, would surely benefit from adding a 6’2″ stretch-forward who can space the floor and knock down outside shots.
Bibby also has a strong international resumé, having recently helped the Australia Opals win a gold medal in the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia World Cup and a bronze medal back in the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
Bibby has been impressive while playing across Europe. She was named Polish League MVP in 2023-24 and Spanish Liga Femenina de Baloncesto MVP in 2024-25.
The seven-day contract provides the Fever with a win-win situation. If Bibby brings her strong play to Indiana, the Fever can decide to use the 12th roster spot and keep her. If she doesn’t, they can release her whenever Clark returns.
